Ivan is a two-year-old boy from Haiti, living with his parents and four siblings in an urban neighborhood. Ivan likes listening to music and watching the older kids play soccer. Ivan has a cardiac condition called Tetralogy of Fallot. This condition involves several concerns in the heart, including a hole between the two lower chambers and a muscular blockage of one of the valves. These conditions prevent blood from passing through the lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving Ivan weak and short of breath. Ivan will need to fly to the Dominican Republic for treatment. On April 17th, he will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons at Hospital CEDIMAT will patch the hole in his heart and remove the blockage from his valve, allowing blood to flow normally. Another organization is contributing money to pay for the surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is seeking your help to fund the $1,500 needed to cover the costs of Ivan's pre and post-operative care and the travel expenses and documents for Ivan's family and the social workers who will join the family during the trip. Ivan's mother said: "Our family is praying that our son will grow and become a strong and healthy child after surgery!"

Mikaeli is a 12-year-old boy. He is the oldest of three siblings in his family and a student. Unfortunately, he had to discontinue his studies due to mobility challenges caused by a congenital condition in his left foot. His father is struggling to find appropriate treatment for him, which is causing a lot of stress for the family. The condition causes an inward and downward twist in his left foot, and his parents are concerned about the potential implications on his future if left unaddressed. Mikaeli’s father, a farmer, serves as the primary breadwinner for their family of three children. Despite his efforts on the farm, the income generated from sales is insufficient to cover all their expenses. In response to this financial gap, the father takes on casual jobs to supplement their income. However, even with these combined efforts, the funds they currently generate are inadequate to meet the medical costs associated with their son’s condition. Fortunately, Mikaeli's family traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. There, the team will begin clubfoot treatment on December 29th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $935 to fund Mikaeli's clubfoot repair. After treatment, Mikaeli will eventually walk comfortably and wear regular shoes. Mikaeli’s father says: “I wish for my son's leg to be normal so that he can return to school and continue his education.”

Residing in Kampong Thom province alongside her parents, two brothers, and two sisters, Sine's family earns their livelihood from the nearby rice paddies. Sine's favorite food is Khmer noodle soup, and she finds she loves Cambodian Studies. During her free time, she engages in reading and enjoys playing with her siblings. When she grows up, she wants to attend a prestigious university and ultimately pursue a career as a doctor. Sine was born with a hairy nevus - a type of birthmark characterized by a darkly pigmented, often raised patch of skin covered with hair. These birthmarks can vary significantly in size and appearance, ranging from small and barely noticeable to larger and more prominent. Hairy nevi are present at birth and are caused by an overgrowth of pigment cells in the skin. While most hairy nevi are harmless, larger ones may carry a slightly increased risk of developing into skin cancer, particularly melanoma. As Sine has gotten older, her insecurities around her birthmark have led to her missing a lot of school. In the pursuit of a solution, Sine and her mother traveled to Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, the care center of our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC) for treatment. The doctors at CSC devised a treatment plan for Sine. On November 15th, 2023, Sine is scheduled for a partial removal of the nevus, with a follow-up in six months for additional planning and removal. Skilled surgeons at CSC will conduct the initial operation, employing skin grafting from her scalp to excise part of the nevus. This intervention aims to restore Sine's confidence, enabling her to resume regular school attendance, and to minimize her future health risks. CSC is requesting $726 to help fund the cost of this transformative procedure for Sine. Her mother shared, "I hope she can feel better and will want to play with her friends."